Neonatal Sepsis

(Sepsis, Neonatal)

Definition

Neonatal sepsis is a bacterial infection in the blood. It is found in infants during the first month of life. This may become a serious condition. If you suspect your infant has this condition, contact your doctor right away.

Spread of Infection

Early-onset sepsis develops in the first 2-3 days after birth. Late-onset sepsis develops within 3-7 days after birth.

Causes

Neonatal sepsis is caused by bacteria. The infant may come in contact with bacteria during pregnancy, birth, or from the environment after birth.

Early-onset sepsis is caused by an infection from the mother. It may pass to the infant from the placenta or birth canal during birth. Antibiotics may be given to high risk mothers during labor. This may prevent early-onset bacterial sepsis in some infants.

Late-onset sepsis is caused by bacteria from the healthcare environment.

Risk Factors

Infant boys have a higher risk for neonatal sepsis. Other factors that may increase your infant’s chance of neonatal sepsis include:

Premature birth—more than 3 weeks before due date

Early labor—more than 3 weeks before your due date

Fetal distress before birth

Infant has a very low birth weight

Fetus has a bowel movement before birth and fetal stool is in the uterus

Amniotic fluid surrounding the infant has a bad smell or the infant has a bad smell right after being born

Symptoms

In most cases of early-onset sepsis, symptoms are present within 24 hours of birth. In almost all cases, symptoms will be present within 48 hours of birth. If your infant has any one of these symptoms, especially in first week, contact your doctor.

Fever or frequent changes in temperature

Breathing rapidly, difficulty breathing, or periods of no breathing (apnea)

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for your infant. Treatment depends on how severe the condition is. If sepsis is suspected, your infant will be hospitalized while you wait for test results.

Treatment may last 2-21 days.
A well-appearing infant may be monitored without antibiotics. Your infant will be
sent home
when tests show there are no bacteria. Sepsis that is confirmed with a culture test is treated for 7-21 days. Treatment will depend on the location of the infection and may include:

Antibiotics

Antibiotics may have to be given through an IV.

IV Fluids

IV fluids will help support your infant until the infection clears. It may include fluids, glucose, and electrolytes.

Oxygen

Your infant may need
oxygen
therapy. In more severe cases, a ventilator may be used to support breathing.

Prevention

To reduce your infant’s chance of getting neonatal sepsis, your doctor may take the following steps:

Antibiotics can control dangerous bacteria in the mother. It will prevent the spread of bacteria during pregnancy or birth to the infant. Your doctor may recommend antibiotics if:

The birth mother has previously given birth to an infant with neonatal sepsis.

You have had a positive bacterial infection test before your due date.

Breastfeeding may also help prevent sepsis in some infants.

Follow steps to prevent premature labor or birth. This can include proper prenatal care, avoiding drugs and alcohol, and eating a healthy balanced diet.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.